Monday, May 16, 2011

"Economics of Happiness" Film Showing May 17th 7pm

Join Chaffee County Citizens for Sustainability for the showing of the Economics of Happiness.

Tuesday May 17 at Salida SteamPlant Theater 7PM

Following the film there will be a discussion on “WHAT’S HAPPENING LOCALLY”

1. Community Updates:
A. Chris Martin – solar gardens
B. Jon Fitz – LiveWell projects
C. Dave & Suzanne Ward – Farmers Markets,
CSAs, Poncha Springs initiatives.
D. Michele Riggio – Federal Farm Bill
E. Dave Bowers – local ‘cottage industry’ food bill
F. David Lynch – food sovereignty

2. Open Mic … What are you doing and how do you
envision the future of our region?
Share your wisdom and ideas of how to
transition to a healthier, more
unified, vital and resilient community.

About "Economics of Happiness"

Economic globalization has led to a massive expansion in the scale and power of big business and banking. It has also worsened nearly every problem we face: fundamentalism and ethnic conflict; climate chaos and species extinction; financial instability and unemployment. There are personal costs too. For the majority of people on the planet life is becoming increasingly stressful. We have less time for friends and family and we face mounting pressures at work.

‘The Economics of Happiness’ describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, all around the world people are resisting those policies, demanding a re‐regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re‐build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization.

We hear from a chorus of voices from six continents including Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, David Korten, Michael Shuman, Juliet Schor, Zac Goldsmith and Samdhong Rinpoche ‐ the Prime Minister of Tibetʹs government in exile. They tell us that climate change and peak oil give us little choice: we need to localize, to bring the economy home. The good news is that as we move in this direction we will begin not only to heal the earth but also to restore our own sense of well‐being. ‘The Economics of Happiness’ restores our faith in humanity and challenges us to believe that it is possible to build a better world.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Support "Local Foods" Bill Today!!

Greetings,

The 'Local Foods, Local Jobs' Act (SB11 - 258) has passed the Senate but your help is needed to help it pass through the State House! Your support and action is needed as soon as possible to pass SB11-258 and increase consumer access to local, value-added goods, boost local economies, and increase the physical health of the people of Colorado while bringing communities together.

You can help by calling & emailing your Representatives, and encouraging friends and family to do the same. The process is quick & easy!

1) Find your state rep and their contact information by entering your address on this website: http://comaps.org/allsearch_old.html

2) What you can say when you call & email (please feel free to personalize the message)


Hello, my name is ______ and I am from ______. I am calling to support the 'Local Foods, Local Jobs' Act (SB11-258) that will be coming up for a vote shortly.

This bill will:

  • Support entrepreneurs and encourage job growth
  • Allow consumers the freedom to purchase products made with quality ingredients grown by local farmers
  • Promote Colorado agritourism
  • Allow local growers to be more profitable by utilizing surplus production

Please support for this bill when it comes up for your vote.

__________________________________________________________________________________________


More information on this bill:

This bill makes it easier for local food growers to sell baked goods, jams and jellies, spices, and dehydrated fruits and vegetables to Colorado families. It also boosts entrepreneurial opportunities and increases the availability of fresh, nutritious foods.

While expanding access to local foods,
Senate Bill 11-258 also maintains important safety standards such as extensive labeling regulations and requiring products to be sold by growers directly to consumers on farms, at farmers markets, or through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) organizations.


To read a copy of the bill, Click Here or paste http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2011A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/F8D6BE2D5D5766528725780100604D0D?Open&file=258_01.pdfinto your browser